The Role:

In your role you will report to the Head of Food Innovation and Development and will be tasked with driving our “Food on the Move” Innovation development in line with DELI LITES strategy. 

You will play a key role in developing new and exciting products based on clear product briefs, ensuring these products are delivered on time and within cost and that all NPD staff have full knowledge of what is currently in development.

As Food Innovation Chef, you will echo the quality, legality and authenticity of all our values at DELI LITES and give customers the opportunity to achieve their extraordinary results through the passion we have for our people and food.

Your Duties

Lead on and translate product briefs into viable products taking into consideration ingredient quality, ingredient cost and production constraints.

Initiate EPD/NPD, work with the NPD team to transform food concepts into viable products and continually challenge our current product quality and viability.

Carry out concept snapshots to bring the entire team on board at an early stage to pre-empt any potential issues.  

Follow the NPD stage gate process by working closely with the wider NPD team.

Create and oversee initial product costs.

Create and dispatch product samples to customers with all relevant documentation for ease of use when it reaches customer.

Train production staff against QAS on product mixes to ensure product is correct the whole way through the chain.

Be involved in production trials for sign off on mixes and product assembly.

Source and drive innovation quality and exclusivity in ingredients and supply base.

Seek best packaging to enhance the products that you are creating that will give best visuals as well as the best eating experience for the consumer.

Be customer facing - lead on presentations for key accounts and maintain a standard of presentation for customer visits.  Facilitate on trade events and shows representing the company.

Proactively stay in touch with the market including interpreting and monitoring consumer trends, new relevant concepts and product innovations.

Manage day to day of development kitchen and development team

Be responsible for the food truck and the offerings available ensuring they represent the company in best light.

               Desired Criteria:

·        A passion for food and an interest in consumer & market trends

·        Experience in product development, translation of product briefs, adhering to a product budget with quality product outcomes.

·        Have a network of industry experts to call on for projects

·        Have a can do mentality and used to problem solving

·        Resilience combined with emotional intelligence to build collaborative powerful relationships

·        Strong communication and presentation skills

·        The ability to assess data and translate into concepts and products

·        Computer literate (MS Office, Intact, Powerpoint)

In return you will receive;

• Competitive Salary
• Discounted Food
• Free on-site parking
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Staff Wellbeing Portal
• Staff Events
• Perks Card
• Tech Scheme
• Staff Events